4" iPhone

Just read a rumor that Apple will introduce 3 iPhones this fall including a 4" version similar to the iP5c, but with the same specs as the 6/6+. With the bump in size with the 6/6+, is there anyone interested in going back to the 4" or upgrading from the 5s/5/4s/4? My only concern in doing so is battery life, but smaller screen, less battery consumption. Ready go.....

don't get your hopes up. From what I've seen, the new 4" model would entail moving the 5s innards into a plastic casing like the 5c, if not the exact same one. From a production standpoint, it makes total sense, because it would replace CNC-machined aluminum with stamped steel and plastic (cheaper and less time-consuming to produce), while reusing the current 5s components.

In much the same way that the 5c was a cost cutting and production capacity move, the "6c" would have a similar role. After all, the "6c" would likely occupy the "free phone" price point.

Ideally, I would like to see a 4" iPhone with the latest processors and hardware features. It would not only have very fast performance, but would also have true all-day battery life, since it would not have to power a large screen or process higher resolution. But, I doubt that Apple will go that route. They've already established the 4.7" screen size as their mainstream price point, and I doubt that they would carve out a lower price point just to offer a new 4" option with the latest and greatest features.

It always seemed obvious to me that they'd continue to utilize the 4" form factor for their budget phone. I don't think at all that it will have the same internals, but it will be a step up from the 5C.

It always seemed obvious to me that they'd continue to utilize the 4" form factor for their budget phone. I don't think at all that it will have the same internals, but it will be a step up from the 5C.

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The report said it would have the a8 chip, so I don't think it will be the slouch the 5c is. There's also talk of it having the plastic chasis, if so, I'm out.

Unless Apple is like Sony, it is very difficult for most companies to put flagship specs in a 4" smartphone. I don't think 720p exist on screens BELOW 4.3". Sony Xperia acro S and Z1 Compact were exceptions. Part has to do with heat ventilation for the smaller footprint and the screen trend has been going up with 4.7-5.2" being the current standard. Even the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact had a couple compromises like only 720p and 1 GB less RAM than its bigger brother.

I like Apple is doing this. Target a wider spectrum for S/M/L. But I say most prefer that MEDIUM size or have gotten used to it. That small size segment might cater another 10-20% of a demographic out there. Anything under 4" or above 6" is single digit (niche) market. I actually came back from eating at a restaurant and iPhone 6 Plus is quite more popular than I thought. I knew phablets would be better for women who carry purses and bags but I underestimated it here in OC. I say most women with iPhones are carrying the larger version. At least Apple is giving us a 3rd option to fit more people's lifestyles and specific comfort level.

I had an iPhone 6 for a weekend during its launch before I sold it to a friend. I've nothing against bigger phones, they're just not for me, and as soon as I went back to my 4" iPhone 5 it really did feel perfect.

I'll be gutted if Apple don't offer a well specced 4" iPhone 6. I don't want them to make it a budget phone. I'm happy to pay the same price as the 4.7" iPhone 6 if it features the same specs (or as near if size is a minor factor).

This is awesome if Apple makes this type of phone available. I always thought I would never like the size of the 6. I have owned one since launch day and have come to really enjoy it. I have small hands and the 5 was perfect.

The 6 is certainly not a one handed phone for people with small hands, but for people with poor eye sight, it was a blessing. Now my darling wife has absolutely tiny hands and refused to upgrade to the 6. She kept my 5 and finds it perfect. So if Apple does decide to manufacture a new smaller phone, you can bet my wife will be one of the first in line.

I think it would be great if Apple produced a smaller size phone. While I like my 6 I am entertaining the prospect of going back to a smaller phone. I guess it all boils down to how you use your phone. In my case it's mainly used for calls, text, and Facetime with my sons. As for it being plastic, since it will be in a case anyway, does it really matter?

I'm hoping for a 4" model but of it has the same internals as the 5s I won't be impressed. Unless it's around the £200 mark and there's more chance of me growing wings than that happening.

If they release a 4" version with the same internals as the normal sized 6s (obviously within reason as there will be more size restrictions with a smaller phone) then I'll be happy.

But truth be told I am starting to find the 4" too small. But I also find the 4.7" too big.

My Aunty has a moto e with a 4'3" screen and hat seems about perfect. But obviously I know I have to compromise somewhere. Sadly Apple don't make phones with just me in mind haha.

Will see what happens come September. Either way I'll be getting an upgrade because I've had my 5 for two years and I'm sick of looking at it now to be honest. I've never had a phone for this long in my life.

I wish I liked android. If get a Z1 compact. Flagship specs. 4.3" screen. Sadly android isn't for me.

Yeah seeing that the 4" will be the free on contract model, don't see if having same specs as 6S+. But hopefully it will still have components of the 6 at least. Unless the 5S still survives another year.

Yeah seeing that the 4" will be the free on contract model, don't see if having same specs as 6S+. But hopefully it will still have components of the 6 at least. Unless the 5S still survives another year.

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I don't know why you would equate small phones with cheap phones. There are people who prefer sports cars to minivans, who would love to get a 4" iPhone with the same processor and memory as the current 6.

Think about it, if bigger is better then everyone would be carrying iPad mini as their phones and forget about the tiny 6+.

It's all about user experience. Portability and screen size both affect user experience. For some, portability is more important, for others, screen size.

Take laptop for example. If you are an artist, your are more likely to choose a 17" laptop. If you are an executive, an 11"-13" is more likely your choice , and you want a premium experience, not a cheap one.

Another thing: the cost of the phone is rather small compared to the service contract. A $100 difference in price equates $4 per month saving for a service contract that costs $50-$100 per month. It's almost insignificant.

On what are we basing the idea that millions of people are crying out for a smaller phone?

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We just are, okay?!??

Seriously: I don't think it's unreasonable to think that a third of the market would prefer a smaller phone than the iPhone 6. Some will have bought the iP6 on release because their need for shiny new stuff outweighs their size preference, but a lot of us are waiting to see what happens.

If Apple don't introduce a 'modern' 4"–4.3" model then the majority of hold-outs will give in and buy an iP6, although some will end up moving away from Apple. But in the meantime us thirders are sticking with our smaller phones for as long as we can.

Seriously: I don't think it's unreasonable to think that a third of the market would prefer a smaller phone than the iPhone 6. Some will have bought the iP6 on release because their need for shiny new stuff outweighs their size preference, but a lot of us are waiting to see what happens.

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A third of the market? Again, what are we basing these numbers on? I'm not trying to object, I'm just genuinely curious.

The following observation isn't relevant to my 'one third' figure, but I've *still* seen only one iPhone 6+ in the wild here in London, which seems strange when you consider than the UK phone contract market doesn't have the same price band distortions as the US market, ie you can get any model of iPhone on contract without paying a penny upfront.

The report said it would have the a8 chip, so I don't think it will be the slouch the 5c is. There's also talk of it having the plastic chasis, if so, I'm out.

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That report is all speculation at this point. Nobody outside of apple knows anything at this point. They are probably going to just drop the 5S innards into a plastic shell and call it the 6c. But again, speculation.

Seriously: I don't think it's unreasonable to think that a third of the market would prefer a smaller phone than the iPhone 6. Some will have bought the iP6 on release because their need for shiny new stuff outweighs their size preference, but a lot of us are waiting to see what happens.

If Apple don't introduce a 'modern' 4"4.3" model then the majority of hold-outs will give in and buy an iP6, although some will end up moving away from Apple. But in the meantime us thirders are sticking with our smaller phones for as long as we can.

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^Yes. I'm a college student and see tons of 5c's, 5ses, 5's, and the occasional 4/4S. I've seen a few 6 and 6+ this semester after the holidays. Those with big phones tend to go with android as far as I've observed. My 59 year old mom just upgraded to a 5s a few weeks ago, and she thinks it's big compared to her old EnV3.

If this 4" 6c is just rumor, probably a lot of us will just deal with the 4.7" size. If my 5 breaks then obviously I'll need something to replace it. I just hope there is something comparable in size with updated specs.

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